Massive tree collapse in Riverdale leaves residents with costly damage
Cleanup is still underway as residents assess the damage left behind.
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A powerful windstorm swept through Riverdale overnight, leaving a trail of destruction after a massive tree fell on Manhattan College Parkway, crushing cars and motorcycles in its path.
Cleanup is still underway as residents assess the damage left behind. Among those affected is Kevin M., whose car and motorcycle were both destroyed by the fallen tree.
"You can see my motorcycle got it, and my car is totaled," Kevin said, pointing to the wreckage.
He recalled hearing a loud rumbling sound before discovering the extent of the damage. "I thought it was a truck going by, the wheels banging, but it was real loud. My girlfriend said, 'You wanna come out here? Looks like a tree fell.'"
Kevin wasn't the only one impacted. Martena Moiel’s vehicle was also struck, though the damage was less severe. "When I came outside, I saw it and I was surprised," she said.
According to the National Weather Service, strong winds played a major role in the collapse. A Wind Advisory had been issued, warning of gusts up to 50 miles per hour.
But Kevin believes this wasn’t just an accident. He blames Manhattan College for not maintaining the land where the tree once stood. "This is not really an act of God. This is actually negligence because you can see there’s nothing holding the tree. And this boulder right here is just like a bowling ball waiting to take out the pins," he explained.
NYC Parks crews are on the scene, working to clear the debris, but questions remain about who will be responsible for covering the damage.
Kevin estimates his losses to be over $16,000, a costly burden that he says could have been avoided with proper maintenance. "My car was beautiful. It was an '08 Avenger, and I mean, it was pristine—and now it’s garbage."
As cleanup efforts continue, affected residents are left waiting for answers and accountability.
